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Will Smith's "Evening of All Stars" banquet held without Smith for first time

The New Orleans Saints hosted a public visitation honoring the late Will Smith on Friday, April 15. Photos by Layne Murdoch Jr. New Orleans Saints photos.

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Former Saints defensive end Will Smith's 'Evening of All-Stars' banquet, which honors the Observer-Dispatch's All-Mohawk Valley Football team, was held on Thursday, June 16 for the first time without Smith. The banquet was founded by Smith and has met every year for the past eight years.

Smith's 'Where There's a Will, There's a Way Foundation' sponsors the banquet, which is held in New Hartford, N.Y. He is a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School, a school within the All-Mohawk Valley, where he played football in high school. Smith went on to play for Ohio State before playing for the Saints. The banquet recognizes area players and looks to give scholarships to athletes, however it is in jeopardy since Smith was the founder and prime financier.